chapter twelve

CHAPTER TWELVE
VISITATION FOUGHT
“What’s up mate you seem distant today?" Albus asked. “It’s nothing really." he answered looking troubled.
“Come on mate. I' m your friend. I can see that something is distant about you." Albus encouraged.
“I just realized that Christmas is coming up. It's not my favorite time of year. Scorpius said putting his head down. Albus walked along waiting patiently.
“Al. You know that my grandparents were sent to Azkaban for twenty-five years. For their support of Voldemort and crimes they committed as Death Eaters. They were the only ones that didn't get Life in prison.
Every Christmas my dad gets permission to visit them. He always takes me with him. They are in awful shape man. I really don't think they will make it out alive, let alone with their sanity." Scorpius said ashamed.
“They’ll make it. My dad told us growing up that it was your grandmum that helped him in the end. That all she wanted was to find your dad to see that he was alive and safe. They didn't even fight in the Battle. And knowing that he IS safe. That and the love in their hearts will see them through.” Albus said trying to cheer him up.
“My dad says that they light up in happiness whenever they see me. Being their first grandchild and all. That seeing me gives them hope to hold on. I know that I need to go and stop being selfish. It's just that I have nightmares for weeks afterwards." Scorpius voice began to shake.
“What they did was horrible Al!" he said getting angry." They deserve... I mean really deserve to be where they are at. But I just can't hate them. They are both still my family. My dad isn't into the dark arts stuff anymore like everyone thinks. I told you how he reacted when he found out that my mum was teaching me." Scorpius shook his head.
“My dad did tell me growing up about the bitter rivalry between our dads. He really regrets it. He said all he ever wanted was for grandad to be proud of him. He was scared to death of Voldemort and the other Death Eaters. He said he still doesn't know how he survived his wrath."
Scorpius fell silent. Albus suddenly brightened which caught him off guard.
Page 57
“Hey I got an idea! Why don't you come and spend Christmas with us! I'll ask my dad at thanksgiving!" Albus said getting so excited you would have thought he just invented the broom.
“I seriously doubt that my dad will ok that mate. Enemies they may not be anymore. But friends our dads defiantly are not. Plus I really don't want to cause you anymore trouble with your family." Scorpius shook his head no.
"Don't be a toad. Just let me ask ok." Albus stated. Scorpius held his hands up in defeat.
Walking up to the Herbology classroom. They saw the Group standing in front of the closed door. Everyone was murmuring amongst themselves.
What's going on guys?" Albus asked. Harris Luenitus just pointed to the door. Moving closer Albus saw that a piece of parchment was nailed to the door. Adjusting his glasses he read the note.
"CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR TODAY.
READ CHAPTERS TWENTY AND TWENTY-ONE.
HALF A ROLL OF PARCHMENT SUMMERIZING
THEM. TO BE DISCUSSED TOMORROW."
PROFESSOR LONGBOTTOM.

“Class is cancelled." Rose said disheartened. “Hey look at the bright side we have two hours to get our homework and then have some fun!" James grinned. After the two hour lunch break. They were met with the same scene. Potions class had been cancelled. With instruction on home work.
“I wonder what's going on?" Alex questioned.
“Must be a teacher meeting or something?” Janice chimed in.
"I don't think so. They usually have those on the weekends. We had to clean all the class rooms. We saw them have meetings, but it was always on the weekends." James stated. The Group left to their favorite hangout spot in the court yard. Many of them began to do the homework assigned by Professor Jordan. While others talked among themselves.
“I wonder if Defense class will be cancelled too? wondered Rose.
“I don't know. But it seems to be strange but this is Hogwarts. So anything is possible.” Albus responded then went back to his homework.
Once the hour had elapsed. The Group walked to Defense against the Dark Arts class. Seeing that there wasn't a note they all walked in.
Professor Dumbledore was standing at the head of the class waiting patiently. Everyone
Page 58
stood at the front looking confused at the scene before them. All of the desks were stacked neatly to one side of the room. There were long pieces of carpet in separate rows lining the room.
"Welcome class. If you would please place your book sacks against the wall. Then take out your wands and pair up with one standing at each one end." Professor Dumbledore instructed. He eyed them as they did as they were told. Rose and Hewortt as usual. Scorpius and Albus as usual. James and Betsy,...Janice and Su-Wa,....Britny and Bret,....Craig and Shea,...Troy and Curtis Smith from Ravenclaw.
“I know that there are a lot of questions as to why your previous classes were cancelled. But this class was not. So let’s hold the questions. Huh?" Aberforth said without the hint of a question. “You are about to learn a very complex method of casting spell. Which is far beyond your years. You normally would not learn this until your fifth year when you learn how to Apparate. But with that you all have shown me that your magical skills are more advanced than your older piers.” he spoke as he walked amongst the class.
"So today you will learn how to cast spells non-verbally. Can anyone tell me why non-verbal spells are important?" he asked. “Yes Mr. Malfoy. He pointed. “This form of magic is used by channeling your magic from within. Your wand will recognize the magic and cast the spell. Using it non-verbally gives the caster an advantage because the other person doesn't know the spell being cast at them thus making it hard to effectively defend against." Scorpius explained.
“Yes! And fifteen points to Slytherin. For I couldn't have explained it any better. Does everyone understand what Mr. Malfoy just explained?" he faced the class. When they all nodded he continued.
"Ok I will give you the offensive spell and the defensive one. As we learn this art form the spell will get more complex. The offense spell is STUPEFY, and the defensive spell is PROTEGO. Remember that the spell is only as strong as the witch or wizard." he said matter of factly.
“Now, Ms. Weasley would you be so kind and stand at one end and face me." he instructed. Now facing each other he smiled. “I want you to stun me verbally. I will block it non-verbally. Hit me when you're ready. With a flash of her wand she yelled. “STUPEFY!" the flash of red light came so fast Aberforth reacted instinctively blocking it. With a quick twirl of his wand. Rose's wand flew from her hand soaring across the room and into Aberforth's awaiting hand. He walked back to her handing over her wand.
“You used EXPELLIARMUS didn't you sir? Rose asked knowing the answer.
“Very good Ms. Weasley. Now remember to channel your inner magic. Your wand will recognize the spell and cast it. Your magic is in your blood not wand. We only use the
Page 59
wand to channel the magic. We use magic when we were younger even before we get a wand. Just concentrate. You may begin. Aberforth stepped to the side and watched.
Throughout the class the students flicked and jabbed their wands as if fishing. But no spells came forth. Twenty minutes into class Aberforth started to think that maybe he made a mistake in giving them this task being so young. He watched the strained expressions on their faces. To his amazement nobody seemed to be trying to cheat by mumbling or whispering any of the spells. Five minutes later a flash of light erupted an Alex was blasted to the ground unconscious. Harris was instantly by his side apologizing. Aberforth rushed over. “RENNERVATE!" he said as he touched his wand to Alex's chest. Stirring awake he sat up dazed then smiled rubbing his chest. "Remember channel your magic." he said as he patted Alex on the shoulder. Seconds later two more flashes
Rose hit Hewortt who laid unconscious. James cast his at Betsy who blocked his stunning spell.
“Five points to Gryffindor to Ms. Weasley. Five points to Gryffindor to Mr. Potter and five points to Slytherin to Ms. Carver. “RENNERVATE!" he said reviving Hewortt. “Oh yes and ten points to Hufflepuff to Mr. Luenitus for being the first." Aberforth said getting excited.
Points were steadily given to the Houses as one after the other accomplished the task. Aberforth who was so excited at the progress. He shouted out the points and ran around the room reviving the students who failed to block the spell breaking a sweat as he did.
“Ok that will be all! You all have done exceedingly well. You have amazed me beyond belief." he was now smiling wide. “I have a task for extra credit. You have done so well I feel obligated to do this. Anyone that can cast a spell and get through my defenses will earn their House fifty points. But.....thirty points will be taken if you can't. So line up for those that wish to try. You may use any spell." Aberforth then got into a fencing stance.
Janice was the first to step up. All eyes were on her. With a quick slash of her wand. The flash that erupted was too fast for Professor Dumbledore to react. The spell blasted him backward causing him to crash to the ground. Applause erupted.
“FIFTY POINTS TO GRYFFINDOR! IMPEDIMENTA nice one! Ms. Thorton. Who's next?" He smiled.
Rose had no sooner turned on Professor Dumbledore when she slashed her wand. Aberforth’s wand was ripped from his hand sailing across to her. Which she caught with a Seekers grace.
"FIFTY POINTS TO GRYFFINDOR! EXPELLIARMUS. Guess that was catch back Ms. Weasley." he said giggling retrieving his wand. Scorpius hit him with the Leg Locking
Page 60
curse...James the Full Body Binding Curse,. .Su-Wa Stunned...Craig hung him upside down by his ankle. Aberforth blocked only a few of the challenged students spells. He was extremely amazed at the strength of the casted spells.
The last student to come forward was Albus. Eyeing each other Albus cast the stunning spell. Which Aberforth blocked then sent the same spell Albus. Who, to his amazement, blocked it. Faster than Aberforth would have ever imagined Albus sent the IMPEDIMENTA curse blasting him against the wall where he crumpled unconscious. Scorpius walked over to Aberforth.
“RENNERVATE!" he said reviving him. Everyone was still cheering when Aberforth sat up dazed. Then he smiled brightly. “FIFTY POINTS TO GRYFFINDOR!" he shouted as James and Scorpius helped him to his feet.
"That was exceptional Mr. Potter. I was so surprised when you blocked my spell. I didn't expect you to attack me again. You moved so fast I was frozen." He grinned at Albus. “It seems that I really need up my game or I'm gonna be really sore this year. Because you all did so well.
There is no homework other than for you to practice your non-verbal spells. The more you practice the more responsive your wand will be. It’s a few minutes early but you've earned it. Class dismissed!" Professor Dumbledore smiled. With a flick of his wand the carpets rolled themselves up then they were stacked against the wall.
They all left still laughing and carrying on. The rest of the day was met with the same as the other classes....cancelled with instructions for homework. That evening at dinner the murmuring and gossip was at an all-time high. The Professors and staff shunned away any who approached asking questions. While most were doing their homework in the Gryffindor common room. Others just relaxed.
“I’m kinda tired. I'll see you guys in the morning." Hewortt yawned then left to the dormitory.
“I’m tired too. G’night.” James announced then left.
“Anyone want some hot chocolate?" Albus asked. Once he wrote down the number to get. He grabbed his night robe and set out for the kitchens.
Walking through the halls whistling a tune to himself. He was completely unaware that he was being watched through cold evil eyes.